When a hurricane or tropical storm heads for the South Carolina coast, most people think about windows and shutters. The garage door deserves just as much attention. It is usually the largest opening in a home, and if strong wind pushes it in, pressure can build inside the house and cause much more damage.
Why the Garage Door Matters in a Storm
A wide garage door has a lot of surface area for wind to push against. Doors that are old, damaged, poorly balanced or missing hardware are more likely to flex, pop out of their tracks or fail. On raised homes near the beach in Garden City, Surfside, Litchfield and Pawleys Island, garage doors under the house can take the full force of the wind.
Before Hurricane Season Starts
- Inspect the door. Look for dents, cracked panels, rust and loose hinges or brackets.
- Test the balance. With the opener disconnected, lift the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it drops or rises, the springs need adjustment.
- Check the tracks. Tracks should be firmly attached to the wall with no bent sections.
- Schedule a tune up. A professional can tighten hardware, check spring and cable condition and make sure the door is balanced.
- Ask about door options. If your door is older, ask whether a different door would better suit a coastal home. We can talk through options during a free estimate.
When a Storm Is on the Way
- Close the garage door fully and make sure it seals at the bottom
- Move cars, bikes and tools away from the inside of the door
- Unplug the opener to protect it from power surges
- Know how to use the manual release in case the power goes out
- Consider an opener with battery backup so you can still open the door during an outage
After the Storm
Before you run the opener, look at the door. If it is bent, off track, or the springs or cables look damaged, do not force it. Running the opener on a damaged door can make things worse. Call for an inspection.
A&A Garage Door Solutions offers 24/7 emergency garage door repair and can help secure your home after a storm, then repair or replace the door.
Need Help With Your Garage Door?
A&A Garage Door Solutions has served Georgetown and Horry counties for over 20 years, with same day service on most jobs and 24/7 emergency service. Call (843) 446 2121 or request a free quote.